There is an expression sometimes said of Grants Pass, that if you stand on a corner downtown, you will eventually see everyone you have ever met living here. This 1929 Ford Model A Coupe is proof of that.

For the past twenty years, when ever I needed Model A parts or engine work, B.J.’s Engines and Parts was always the place to go. Bill did great work out of a tiny shop, knowing more about Model A’s than anyone I met. He poured Babbitt Bearings, built stock and hot rodded Model A’s and kept the parts that always wore out or broke.

Bill’s first A was bought for $7 not running. Bill went to the dump off of Foothill and bought a junk motor for $1 from which he pulled four used pistons. He swapped these into the non-runner and that fixed the car, He never looked back with his love of Model A’s, turning it into a business eventually. Bill had worked at the SWF Mill in Grants Pass for over sixteen years before going to work for Harry’s Model A Parts in Wimer. After about five years, Harry’s moved to Seattle and instead of following, Bill opened his shop off of Foothill in town. On one visit a customer was just picking up his A from Bill and without missing a beat, offered to drag race my late model Dodge Truck. Not wanting to embarrass this total stranger, I declined, but when he left the shop, I made it a point to leave at the same time. Well, he flat took off and I not sure if he did beat me or I was in such shock that I forgot to push the loud pedal to the floor, but that thing literally flew down the road.

About eight years ago I went up to get a part only to find that Bill had passed and the shop seemed closed. No more A parts and that was that until this past week when his widow came by with their 1929 Coupe that Bill had built and asked about finding a new owner for it. A full circle so to speak.

It was built by Bill over a period of sixteen years, when ever he had the time or the funds lying around. Bill bought it in 1990 from his uncle that had the car since 1958. Being that A’s were what Bill did, he wanted a car that not only was stock in nature, but one that he and the wife could do runs with up to Crater Lake and to the coast with a couple of upgrades to make it safe and livable. The engine has Full Pressure Oiling along with Filtering, Hydraulic Brakes were added along with tube style Shock Absorbers and Blinkers. A Mitchell 2-Speed Splitter was installed to allow reasonable cruising speeds and an alternator to keep the battery charged. A set of Kelsey Hayes bent Spoke 16” wheels helped with gearing. Bill added the Rumble Seat to bring passengers. Nothing that could not be undone if so desired, but improvements that allowed the car to be used on modern roads safely. What is most remarkable about the car is that it will cruise along at speeds up 65mph with the over-drive unit in top gear. Unbelievable!

Bill and his wife put about 4,000 miles in it over the years before it was parked at his passing. There were some minor cosmetic issues, a mouse got hungry on the seat and headliner, but Greg’s Upholstery said it could be fixed for $300 and there are a couple of paint chips. Nothing serious, it is still a great driver and looks great.

I sold the car about three years ago locally and the new owner loved driving car, evening getting to Crater Lake a couple of summers ago. He is not a big fan of the bias ply tires but said the car was a joy to drive. He is on to the next collectible car and needs room in the garage. If anything, the car is in better shape than when it left the shop the first time, now with 5,528 miles showing.

The selling price is $17,200 and the VIN is A2429838. Miles showing are 5,528. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest